Ball Four

[3appleshigh]

I Don't think I deserve to be catagorized with the trolls, mcrowder.

And on this particular subject, I'm unable to have an opinion because of the group I umpire for sets out the standards. I specifically mentioned that as an addition to the thread. I state that I didn't call #'s in the past till I was told to. I don't think calling them number or not matters a smidge to the game and how we officiate it, If given the chance to choose, I vote don't give #, only adds a new way for you to mess up.

[mbyron]

I dunno, Mike. Evans taught me to call the number on EVERY pitch: ball 1, ball 2, ball 3, ball 4; strike 1, strike 2, strike 3.

That's not what I do: I announce strike 3 routinely (swinging or called - punch out only on called strike). I also announce ball 4.

[D-Man]

This is, by far, the stupidest arguement on the internet, whether it be about baseball, politics, chicks, whatever.

I do not count any pitches, balls or strikes. I give the count after three pitches, and at 3 & 2. For any other information, you need to ask.

D

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by mbyron

I dunno, Mike. Evans taught me to call the number on EVERY pitch: ball 1, ball 2, ball 3, ball 4; strike 1, strike 2, strike 3.

Me thinks you didn't hear the full explanation in the cages.

It's along the lines of "This is what we want you to do here...you won't do this when you leave."

It is all part of the Academy thing...having every student work exactly the same way so they can be judged against a standard and so individualized mechanics aren't taken in the mix.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Me thinks you didn't hear the full explanation in the cages.

It's along the lines of "This is what we want you to do here...you won't do this when you leave."

It is all part of the Academy thing...having every student work exactly the same way so they can be judged against a standard and so individualized mechanics aren't taken in the mix.

Yes, but some umpires really took their training to heart, and still do it to this very day in professional baseball, and back home in their local associations. There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing it in real life, as well as in school.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Me thinks you didn't hear the full explanation in the cages.

It's along the lines of "This is what we want you to do here...you won't do this when you leave."

It is all part of the Academy thing...having every student work exactly the same way so they can be judged against a standard and so individualized mechanics aren't taken in the mix.

Methinks you didn't read my entire post (why are we talking like this? ).

I addressed a poster who seemed serious about never announcing "ball 4," back when this thread had a serious strand in it.

One reason I don't call pitches with "Academy mechanics" is just as you say.

They also don't allow "the point" for calling strikes, or even "the chainsaw" for called strike 3. I was certainly aware that this uniformity was for the sake of focusing on what's truly important and challenging about calling pitches: tracking the pitch all the way to the glove, making the call, and ONLY THEN signalling or verbalizing it.

But then, I'm a student of the finer points of pedagogy, and Evans is, as you know, an excellent teacher as well as trainer.

[JugglingReferee]

I think b!tc*ing about those who say or don't say Ball 4 is like looking for mucous hanging off someone's nose.